Piano Songs with 5–6 Chords: The Sweet Spot for Growing Players

Why 5–6 Chords Is the Perfect Next Step

If you've been playing songs with three or four chords, you've already built a solid foundation. You know how to move between basic positions, and your hands are starting to feel at home on the keys. Adding just one or two more chords to your vocabulary opens up a surprisingly wide range of musical color.

With five or six chords, songwriters can introduce minor sevenths, suspended chords, and dominant sevenths — the kinds of harmonies that give a song personality and emotional depth. You'll start hearing chord progressions that don't just loop predictably. Instead, they tell a story, building tension and releasing it in satisfying ways.

The songs in this collection prove exactly that. Whether it's the funk-laced swagger of Pharrell Williams or the tender romance of Marvin Gaye, each track uses its handful of chords to create something memorable. And because you're not juggling eight or ten different chord shapes, you can actually focus on how you play — your rhythm, your dynamics, and your feel.

The Songs: A Walkthrough

I've picked twelve standout tracks from this collection. They cover a wide range of styles and moods, so no matter what kind of music moves you, there's something here worth learning.

Pop & Chart Hits

BbHAPPYPharrell Williams · Key Bb · 120 BPMPlay

Pharrell's "Happy" is an instant mood-lifter, and its six chords — including a jazzy Ab6 and Dbmaj7 — give it that unmistakable bounce. The octave bass pattern keeps the left hand grooving, and learning those slightly unusual chord voicings will train your ear to hear beyond standard major and minor shapes. It's a medium-difficulty song that rewards you with one of the most feel-good grooves of the last decade.

C#Counting StarsOne Republic · Key C# · 120 BPMPlay

OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" is one of the more ambitious picks here, rated advanced thanks to its Alberti bass pattern — a rolling, arpeggiated left-hand figure that gives the song its propulsive energy. Six chords including C#m and F#m create a moody, romantic atmosphere. If you're ready for a challenge that will genuinely level up your hand independence, this is the one.

BHIPS DON'T LIEShakira featuring Wyclef Jean · Key B · 90 BPMPlay

Shakira's worldwide smash uses just five chords (A, Bm, C, F#m, G) over an oompah bass pattern that gives it its Latin-flavored rhythm. The chord progression has a natural sway to it — once you lock into the pattern, your body will want to move along. It's medium difficulty and a fantastic way to practice keeping a steady, danceable groove.

GWALK AWAYChristina Aguilera · Key G · 83 BPMPlay

Christina Aguilera's "Walk Away" is one of the easier songs in this collection, making it a great starting point if you're new to six-chord territory. The oompah bass keeps the left hand simple, while the chords — including a soulful B7 and C7 — add a bluesy edge to the pop arrangement. The slower tempo of around 82 BPM gives you breathing room to nail each chord change.

Timeless Classics & Soul

AbLET'S GET IT ONMarvin Gaye · Key Ab · 88 BPMPlay

Marvin Gaye's legendary track is built on six chords in the key of Ab, with a block bass pattern that keeps things smooth and steady. What makes this arrangement special is the Bb7 chord — it adds that warm, sultry tension that defines the song's character. Playing this one will teach you a lot about dynamics and touch. Let the notes breathe; don't rush the transitions.

ESympathy for the DevilGuns N' Roses · Key E · 100 BPMPlay

This Guns N' Roses version of the Rolling Stones classic is rated advanced, and for good reason — the six chords (A, B, C, D, E, E7) move over a pedal bass with a driving, rock-infused intensity. The key of E gives it a powerful, open sound on the piano. If you love rock and want to push your skills, this arrangement delivers serious attitude.

ERocky Mountain HighJohn Denver · Key E · 110 BPMPlay

John Denver's "Rocky Mountain High" is a beautifully peaceful song with six chords, including a lovely Emaj7 and F#m7 that add a shimmering, folk-rock quality. The pedal bass pattern in the key of E anchors the song while you navigate those richer chord voicings. At 110 BPM, the pacing feels comfortable — like a stroll through the mountains the song describes.

AThank God I'm a Country BoyJohn Denver · Key A · 100 BPMPlay

Staying with John Denver, "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" is pure joy — and it's rated easy, making it one of the most accessible songs in this collection. Six chords including E7 and F#m give it just enough variety to keep your fingers engaged, while the octave bass and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to smile. This is a great confidence-builder.

Singer-Songwriter & Indie

BPATIENCEThe Lumineers · Key B · 138 BPMPlay

The Lumineers' "Patience" brings a classical-dramatic sensibility to just five chords. The block bass and key of B create a contemplative, spacious sound. What's interesting here is the use of both E major and E minor in the same song — that subtle shift between the two creates an emotional tension that's really effective. Medium difficulty with a big emotional payoff.

EPlaneJason Mraz · Key E · 80 BPMPlay

Jason Mraz's "Plane" is a hidden gem — five chords (B7, C, D, Em, G) arranged in a pop-upbeat style with a dramatic mood. At 80 BPM, it moves at a gentle pace that lets you really focus on smooth chord transitions. The mix of major and minor chords gives it a bittersweet quality that's deeply satisfying to play. A great pick for someone who wants something a little offbeat.

Worship & Inspirational

CGlory In The HighestChris Tomlin · Key C · 78 BPMPlay

Chris Tomlin's "Glory In The Highest" is rated easy and uses six chords in the key of C — the friendliest key for beginners. The inclusion of Am7, Dm7, and Fmaj7 introduces you to seventh chords in a very approachable way. The octave bass and moderate 78 BPM tempo make this one feel effortless once you've got the chord shapes under your fingers.

AAwesome Is The Lord Most HighChris Tomlin · Key A · 138 BPMPlay

Another Chris Tomlin favorite, "Awesome Is The Lord Most High" has an energetic feel at 138 BPM with just five chords. The Esus4 chord is worth paying attention to — suspended chords add a sense of anticipation that resolves beautifully into the next harmony. The pedal bass keeps the left hand grounded while the right hand drives the energy forward.

Tips for Playing Songs with 5–6 Chords

Master Each Chord Shape Before You Play the Song

Before you press play, spend a minute or two just moving between the chords in the song. Don't worry about rhythm yet — just get your fingers used to the shapes. With five or six chords, there are more transitions to memorize, and a little upfront practice saves a lot of frustration.

Pay Attention to the Bass Pattern

You'll notice that the songs in this collection use different bass patterns: pedal, octave, oompah, block, walking, and even Alberti. Each one creates a completely different feel. The bass pattern is often what makes a song sound "right," so give your left hand just as much attention as your right.

Use the Color-Coded Notes to Spot Patterns

One of the biggest advantages of learning with Super Simple Piano's color-coded system is that you can visually see when chords share common notes. For instance, a C chord and an Am7 share two notes — and the colors make that obvious at a glance. Look for those shared notes. They're your shortcuts to smoother transitions.

Don't Fear Seventh Chords

Many of the songs in this collection feature seventh chords (like Cm7, F#m7, Bb7, or G7). They might look intimidating on paper, but in practice, a seventh chord is usually just a basic chord with one extra note added. They sound richer and more sophisticated, and they're well worth the small extra effort.

Start Slow, Then Build Up

Even if a song's original tempo is 138 BPM, there's no rule saying you have to start there. Play it at half speed until every chord change is clean, then gradually increase. Speed is the last thing you add — accuracy and comfort come first.

Listen to the Original Recording

Before and while you're learning a song, listen to the original. Notice where the chord changes happen in relation to the lyrics or melody. This context helps your brain anticipate changes instead of reacting to them, and it makes your playing sound more musical rather than mechanical.